I’ve watched every game that Leeds United have played under Marcelo Bielsa in the Premier League this season, and boy is it fast! It is a game played with fluidity right across the pitch at speed – crosses fly into the penalty area. And if you lose the ball to them they counter attack in an instant.
This kind of attacking style is ideal for youth teams who have all the energy needed to constantly attack from out wide at speed. You can ignite your players’ imagination with some fantastic drills and sessions that get them playing the game at a pace that overwhelms the opposition.
So why not get your players to play the Bielsa way and attack at every opportunity. They will really enjoy playing like this and the parents will love watching this style. You can get going right away with these two activities.
Crossing the ball on the run is is one of the harder skills that wingers need and it helps them to catch out defenders on the counterattack without stopping or slowing the attack down.
To get young players used to using counter attacks use this activity to help them understand the speed and the direct play that can result in a goal. 3v2 Counter attacking can be used against any opponents and should be part of your attacking tactical bible.
Don’t forget to check out all the Return to Play activities for you to use while your club is still under social distancing rules.
I you want something to listen to, head over to my Podcast where there is a variety of subjects to choose from or if you have an Alexa-enabled device you can simply ask Alexa to “enable Soccer Coach Weekly”.
We now have a lesson plan for all the Principles of Play, attacking and defending, in the Coaching Classroom so make sure you head over to see what you should be coaching your players so they understand the Principles of Play. The latest one is Control and restraint.
in Defending, Email newsletters
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in Ball Control and Footwork, Email newsletters
I was talking to a coach this week about how to control balls in the air, especially when heading the ball in training is off the menu for most clubs. I imagine that there will be much more of a contest to win the ball with a volley once it has dropped from head height. So how do you coach controlling balls in the air? MORE
This week I have been reunited with parents and players from my teams because the club I coach at has used the Easter school holidays to give back to the players what they have been missing for the last four months. So this week I have been coaching full days – around 7 hours – in three sessions. I've coached U9s, U10s and U13s boys and U11 girls. I really enjoy it but it does come with some very obvious problems. MORE
in Email newsletters, Return to play
Now we are back playing matches and training after nearly four months of lockdown I can certainly notice the difference in my players. It isn't like when they come back from summer holidays because that is usually just down to a bit of fitness and rusty match play. So how can you relight their fire? MORE
in Defending, Email newsletters
A high pressing game gives teams a huge advantage when they win the ball back because you are close to your opponents goal. Lose the ball, win it back in 6 seconds is a rule that I use in training sessions. But how does that work? MORE
Player trials are likely to be one of the most stressful events facing young players after they have been missing games due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Even the most confident players will get stressed out when they have to put their talents on show to a new group of coaches and players. And now without the help of a full season behind them they will feel a lot more exposed than normal. MORE
